Best Defense of the last 30 years

[PonyTime]

All of this talk of Defense (or lack there of) had me thinking.

What was the best Defensive unit over the last 30 years at SMU?

While some of the recent Defenses created a lot of turnovers, they also gave up so, so many points. Even though Phil B. was supposed to be a defensive genius, his Defenses were horrid. I am going to go with 1996:

1996 - Rossley's last Defense was pretty stout. Though they ended 5-6 it is not the Defense's fault that they could not kick XP or FG vs Missouri at home. The held Arky to 10 points on the road. Held 3 opponents to 10 points or less. Beat TCU on national TV to finish the season. With a better offense that team could have finished 8-3. Bordano, Mitchell, Rhinehart all went pro in some capacity, I believe. Solid unit.


My Runner Up - 2012:

2012 Defense that destroyed Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. Margus, JaGared Davis. They overpowered a team that they were supposed to get destroyed by in that Bowl game and seemingly got better each week as the year progressed, overshadowing the beatdown they received at Baylor to open the season. Held 4 opponents to 10 points or less pitching two shutouts.

[Pony in SA]

Eric Schumann did more with less talent than any DC weΓÇÖve had post death penalty in my opinion. Had not much to work with, but his guys would at least attempt to tackle.

[BUS]

Heywood and Bonds in the middle. They played tough.

[Thumper]

Heywood and Bonds in the middle. They played tough.

Cory Muse and Justin Rogers at defensive end. I don't know if that was the best post-DP defense, but that line, at least, was really stout.

[Charleston Pony]

Eric Schumann did more with less talent than any DC weΓÇÖve had post death penalty in my opinion. Had not much to work with, but his guys would at least attempt to tackle.

Schumann owned Navy as I recall. Only coach we've ever had who shut down Navy

[peruna81]

this defense isn't as bad as van's, but lately it is making a run...